munchkin

noun

munch·​kin ˈmənch-ˌkin How to pronounce munchkin (audio)
: a person who is notably small and often endearing

Example Sentences

“What's wrong, munchkin?” she asked the toddler.
Recent Examples on the Web Just being able to see a bag of chips, or a box of Dunkin Donuts munchkins, or a box of little chocolate chip cookies from Entenmann’s out on the counter, so someone can come in and take a snack. Christine Lennon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2023 Digital age corporations cannot be successful if the top disdains management and lower level managers are Dilbert-like munchkins. Steve Denning, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2023 The Musical, as Boq, a munchkin who dates Nessa. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 5 Jan. 2023 And when Max completely crushed it as a munchkin in a production of the Wizard of Oz, you better buh-lieve J.Lo was there to film his big solo—and to share it with the world. Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 26 Jan. 2023 New England’s unofficial mascot, Ben Affleck, red in the face, grimacing, juggling a Jenga tower of Dunkin’ cups, doughnut bags, and munchkin boxes. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 4 Nov. 2022 Nicole, a munchkin, and Mickey, the scarecrow, talked for hours while painting a backdrop of the Wicked Witch’s crows. Charisma Madarang, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2022 One day, Eastman’s young daughter, Heather, a bob-haired munchkin, whirls aimlessly about the studio. New York Times, 8 Dec. 2021 The costume features a matching dark green tunic and velvet hat paired with black munchkin shoes. Natasha Dado, PEOPLE.com, 10 Nov. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'munchkin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

the Munchkins, diminutive creatures in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) by L. Frank Baum

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of munchkin was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near munchkin

Cite this Entry

“Munchkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/munchkin. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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